If you were asked to name a player who played every single minute of all the matches in Indian Super League season 2020-21, who would it be? Akash Mishra! Yes, 19-year old Akash, who plays as left-back for Hyderabad FC.
Akash hails from Sheikhuipyra village in the Balrampur district of Uttar Pradesh. What bought him into the spotlight was when he got selected for three years of training in Germany, back in 2015. Later, returning to India, he joined AIFF developmental side Indian Arrows.
“I come from a below-average household, where no one is too supportive of a career in sports. I had to sneak out from tutions to play football and not many people from my family were too happy with that,” said Akash.
Akash’s father is a farmer, who, like most farmers in the region, primarily grows sugarcane. Akash credits his father for believing in him to pursue his dream.
On the occasion of Father Day, Akash opened up about how he came this far eventually also making a National Team debut in a friendly match against Oman in March 2021.
“Whatever I needed, whatever I asked for, my dad usually bought it for me, sometimes even if he could not afford it,” he says. “I had to halt at my uncle’s place to freshen up after practice to avoid making mom angry. Dad was the one who supported me the most.”
After joining Indian Arrows, in two I-League seasons, he made 23 appearances. His performance caught the eyes of ISL clubs and in 2020 he signed for Hyderabad FC.
“Even with no real examples from near my area, my dad believed that I can be a professional footballer and did everything he can to help me pursue it as a career. Sometimes he more than he can and that had a real impact on the hard work I usually put in,” said Akash.
“I would not be where I am without him so not just on Father’s Day, my dad is my everyday HERO.“
Mr.Mishra should be surely proud of him, as the new defending star is in making for Indian Football!
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